From Basics to Bow
Finding Your Square Dance Home in the Heart of Lamington
You’ve heard the fiddle, felt the infectious energy, maybe even caught a glimpse of swirling petticoats and bright smiles at the Lamington Fall Festival. Square dancing. It seems like a relic, a charming piece of living history—until you’re standing in the middle of it. Then, it becomes something else entirely: community, geometry set to music, a joyful puzzle for eight. This is about how to move from curious observer to active participant, from the basic steps to your final bow right here in Lamington.
The First Call: Overcoming the "I Have Two Left Feet" Syndrome
Let’s be clear: nobody arrives as a pro. The Lamington Square Dance Society’s "First Friday Fundamentals" is built for absolute beginners. Think of it as a friendly laboratory. You’ll learn the language—what’s a *do-si-do* versus a *promenade*—and the foundational moves in a no-pressure environment. The caller, usually the patient and witty Martha Briggs, starts slow, explaining each call before the music even begins. The first night is less about dancing perfectly and more about laughing when you turn the wrong way (you will) and realizing everyone else has been there, too.
Lamington's Secret Sauce: The Welcome
What sets Lamington apart isn't just the dancing; it's the deliberate, old-fashioned hospitality. Newcomers aren't just allowed; they're celebrated. Expect a veteran dancer to introduce themselves before you even find a seat. Need a partner? Seasoned dancers rotate in, ensuring no one sits out. It’s a policy, not just politeness. This is a community that remembers its own first shaky allemande left and is eager to pay that comfort forward.
Your Gear: Less is More to Start
Forget complex costumes. The only uniform required is comfortable clothes and smooth-soled shoes that pivot easily (think trainers or flats). Leave the cowboy boots at home for now. The iconic petticoats and bolo ties? Those come later, often as a personal celebration when you’ve mastered your first full dance. The Lamington Hall even has a "Borrow Bin" of simple skirts and scarves for anyone wanting to feel the swirl without the commitment.
Finding Your Rhythm: The Weekly Hoedown
Once you’ve got the basics, the real magic happens at the Tuesday Night Hoedown at the historic Lamington Town Hall. This is where the community gathers. The air hums with anticipation, live music from the "Platte River Band," and the soft shuffle of feet. Calls get faster, patterns more complex, but the atmosphere remains relentlessly supportive. Dances are "called," meaning every move is cued live, so you’re never lost for long. It’s a mental and physical workout disguised as a party.
Beyond the Dance: The Potlucks, The Parades, The Family
To square dance in Lamington is to join a family. The dancing is the core, but the roots spread wide:
- Monthly Potluck Suppers: Where recipes are exchanged as freely as dance tips.
- Summer Barn Dance Series: Held at the old Miller Farm, complete with fireflies and lemonade.
- The Lamington Parade Float: A riot of color and sound where dancers of all ages wave to the crowd.
- Workshop Weekends: For those bitten by the bug, diving into advanced calls like "spin chain the gears."
Ready to Swing Your Partner?
The next First Friday Fundamentals workshop is your open door. No partner needed, no experience necessary. Just bring your curiosity and a willingness to smile. Check the Lamington Community Board or the Square Dance Society’s social feed for the next start date. We save a spot in the square for you.
Find the Next Beginner's NightThe Final Bow
Your first "bow to your partner, corner, and the room" after a completed dance is a small but significant rite of passage. It’s a thank you, a shared moment of accomplishment. In Lamington, that bow isn’t an ending. It’s the beginning of your welcome. From the basic step to that first confident bow, you haven’t just learned a dance. You’ve found a home where history, music, and community move together in perfect, joyful time.
